13 Best Hiking Shorts of 2026: Fit, Secure Pockets, Dry Fast

The Pudolla men's hiking short delivers three inseam options, five zippered pockets, an elastic waistband, and lightweight stretch material that suits summer hikes and everyday trips. The cut stays in place when moving, and the construction quality comes through at a mid-range price.

This is for a man who wants one short for hiking, travel, and casual wear without swapping length. The fabric is quick-dry but can feel thin to anyone expecting a heavier twill or canvas, and the zipper pulls are visible against the leg and may catch on gear. Men who prefer thicker material or minimal hardware will want to look elsewhere; for everyone else, it's a practical summer option.

This Willit short offers a more tailored silhouette than the boxy cargo cut, with 5- and 7-inch inseams that fit closer to the leg. The deep zip pockets hold a phone secure while walking, and the lightweight fabric dries fast after a stream crossing or a hotel-sink wash. It also packs down smaller than the top pick's roomier cut.

Women who want a travel short that moves from trail to restaurant without looking fully technical will find the fit right. Sizing across colorways isn't guaranteed to match, so buying the color you plan to keep rather than stocking up is the practical route.

Rdruko's lightweight quick-dry fabric pairs with a drawstring waist that keeps the short in place from gym sets to trail miles. The inner-leg feel is comfortable, and the construction holds together better than the entry-level price suggests. It dries quickly after a stream crossing or rain shower, which keeps the day from being cut short. This is the crossover short for runners and day-hikers who keep their load light and value easy movement over heavy construction. Sizing can run small, so ordering up is the safer move; washing cold also protects the fit.

Ripstop fabric and six flat-laying zippered pockets give this men's short a more tailored line than typical cargo styles, so it works for trail days and casual work settings without extra bulk. The fabric is lightweight but not flimsy, dries quickly on hot days, and the elastic waist keeps it in place without a belt.

Best for hikers who want secure storage and a clean silhouette, or for guys who need a short that goes from a morning hike to an afternoon desk without looking out of place. If heavy canvas or a true 10-inch-or-longer inseam is the priority, this lighter cut isn't that short.

UPF 50+ quick-dry fabric and three zipper pockets make this a budget-friendly base for men who want one short for gym, trail, and travel. The 7-inch inseam keeps an athletic cut, and the zip pockets hold a phone, keys, and wallet secure without bouncing. It also packs small enough for carry-on essentials.

Best for men who want an affordable workout-and-travel short with secure storage; this is not the pick for cargo-pocket bulk or knee-length coverage. Fit can run small for some, so ordering a size up is the safer bet.

The Hugut is the storage-first women's short in this set: five zippered pockets, a lightweight parachute fabric, and quick-dry performance that stays comfortable on hot hikes. The soft, airy material handles warm weather well, and the clean cargo styling keeps it looking like an outdoor short rather than a utility sack.

This is the storage-first option for women hikers and travelers who want maximum zippered capacity without a pack. The leg cut is roomy and baggy on some bodies; fit can be unpredictable, so check the size chart instead of assuming your usual size.

The integrated nylon belt, water-resistant quick-dry fabric, and low-profile zippered pockets make this a travel-first short. The included belt buckle can release if bumped and button-sewing QC can vary, so it suits hikers who want a packable city-to-trail short rather than heavyweight belt loops or technical mountaineering performance.

An 8-inch inseam and three zippered pockets give this budget short a simple trail-and-travel layout. The lightweight quick-dry fabric keeps warm-weather wear comfortable, though the material can feel thin and the waist can run snug on some bodies. These tradeoffs keep it below the top tier, but the coverage and pockets still earn their keep.

Deep zippered pockets hold a phone securely, and the lightweight quick-dry fabric keeps air moving on warm hikes. The 9-inch inseam gives useful coverage at a budget price. The waistband can run snug on some builds, so checking the size chart before ordering is worth doing.

This men's lightweight quick-dry pair has a non-restrictive cut that moves well on the trail and still looks casual enough for dinner. Water-resistant fabric handles light rain, and 7- or 10-inch inseams tune coverage. The see-through light shades keep it from ranking higher, so dark colors are the safer buy.

The expandable waist and lightweight quick-dry nylon make this an easy choice for warm-weather walks and casual outings. Zippered cargo pockets keep phone and keys secure. The rise runs short, so taller men or those needing a long inseam should look elsewhere. Zipper and belt-loop durability has been mixed, which limits it compared with the men's all-rounder in this set.

The stretch fabric and elastic waist move freely on uneven terrain, and the secure pocket layout keeps small gear accessible. Front-hand pockets are small, and sizing runs small enough that sizing up is the safer route; those tradeoffs plus the premium price keep it from leading this set.